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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado November 19, 2009
great friends playing cards, participating in classes, playing bingo ‌ through activities basically,â€? Firestein said. “Some people are just plain outgoing.â€? “I think one of the things that’s helpful to people is to do volunteer work,â€? said Paul. “It will help you get beyond yourself and really feel that your life is needed by somebody else or some other institution, whatever it is.â€? Even if someone has a group of friends it can be isolating if those relationships are superficial. According to a 2005 study on elderly relationships from the University of Michigan, it is not the number of people in the social network of an elderly person it is the quality of those relationships. To deepen existing relationships, Firestein recommends taking the risk of
self-disclosure with another person that seems like they would be a good fit for a deeper friendship. “A lot of times your friends may also be seeking a deeper connection,â€? Firestein said. “That invites them to share more and they know it’s safe to go to a more personal level.â€? “You can usually tell if someone welcomes that personal disclosure. It’s better to do it gradually and see how the other person reacts,â€? she said. Sharing common intellectual and spiritual interests or goals can enhance friendships. “When people share participation in civil rights, helping the poor ‌ they develop deeper relationships with others that are involved,â€? Firestein said. “It is a very fertile ground for deepening a relationship.â€? “Some people grow close
through bible study or attending same inspirational talk because in depth subjects leads to more meaningful conversations,� Firestein said. Illness or an inability to continue driving can limit opportunities to get out and socialize or volunteer. Firestein recommends the possibility of telecommunication. “Not every older person is comfortable with technology but it is a way to stay connected with families and find people with similar interests,� she said. “I’ve known people that were chronically ill that found an online community that they could speak very openly and honestly with,� Firestein said. For those in their later years, Firestein offers this: “There’s no right way to be an older person. There’s no one idea of psychologi-
Stay for a week, a month,
or for as long as you like columbine cares for seniors
cal health. My hope is that they would find the freedom to do whatever they want to do.� RESOURCES Larimer County Office on Aging • www.co.larimer.co.us/ seniors/lcoa.htm 970-498-7750 The Suicide Resource Center of Larimer County • www.suicideresource center.org Toll-free hotline 1-800-273TALK(8255) Colorado Volunteers of America www.voacolorado.org 970-472-9630 Loveland Meals on Wheels 970-667-0311 Chilson Senior Center 970)-962-2783
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Independent Living 1515 West 28th Street Loveland, Colorado 80538
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